Universal bidirectional power converter with agnostic direct current energy storage or energy source

Abstract

A modular power conversion system is disclosed. The modular power conversion system includes the novel topology which integrates a rectifier block, an inverter block, and DC/DC convertor block in a unified, Universal Convertor. Further, the UC can be ganged at the AC input or output terminals in a modular fashion. The UC delivers the added benefit that the DC stage is isolated, and also to be of unconstrained voltage magnitude. This delivers the benefit of easily ganging DC sources and loads; in the case of batteries, combined modular UC blocks are battery agnostic. The rectifier, DC voltage control, and inverter are each bidirectional: power can be controlled to flow in either direction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular power conversion system, comprising:
 an input stage configured to connect to a supply voltage or load voltage;   first and second current source inverter (CSI) stages;   a rectifier stage coupled to the input stage and configured to convert power from the input stage to the first CSI stage; and   an inverter stage coupled to the second CSI stage and configured to convert power to an output load or source.   
     
     
         2 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and the CSI stages include a plurality of inductors electrically connected between the rectifier stage and the inverter stage. 
     
     
         3 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 1 , wherein the rectifier stage includes a set of switching devices configured to convert alternating current from the supply voltage to a DC. 
     
     
         4 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 1 , wherein the inverter stage includes a set of switching devices configured to convert DC from the second CSI stage to alternating current to supply to the output load or source. 
     
     
         5 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one DC voltage source electrically connected between the first and second CSI stages; and   a switching device in series with the DC voltage source.   
     
     
         6 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one DC voltage source includes a sodium-ion (Na-Ion) battery. 
     
     
         7 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one DC voltage source includes lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery. 
     
     
         8 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one DC voltage source includes Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) battery. 
     
     
         9 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 5 , further comprising control circuitry configured to control the switching device to control delivery of power from the at least one DC voltage source. 
     
     
         10 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 5 , wherein the input stage includes a multi-phase input. 
     
     
         11 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and the second CSI stages are configured to operate without the supply voltage or load voltage. 
     
     
         12 . A modular power conversion system, comprising:
 an input stage configured to connect to a supply voltage or load voltage;   a first and second current source inverter (CSI) stages;   a rectifier stage coupled to the input stage and configured to convert power from the input stage to the first CSI stage; and   an inverter stage coupled to the second CSI stage and configured to convert power to an output load or source, wherein the first and the CSI stages include a plurality of inductors electrically connected between the rectifier stage and the inverter stage.   
     
     
         13 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 12 , wherein the rectifier stage includes a set of switching devices configured to convert alternating current from the supply voltage to a DC. 
     
     
         14 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 12 , wherein the inverter stage includes a set of switching devices configured to convert DC from the second CSI stage to alternating current to supply to the output load or source. 
     
     
         15 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 at least one DC voltage source electrically connected between the first and second CSI stages; and   a switching device in series with the DC voltage source.   
     
     
         16 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one DC voltage source includes a sodium-ion (Na-Ion) battery. 
     
     
         17 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one DC voltage source includes lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery. 
     
     
         18 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one DC voltage source includes Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) battery. 
     
     
         19 . The modular power conversion system of  claim 12 , wherein the first and the CSI stages are configured to operate without the supply voltage or load voltage. 
     
     
         20 . A modular power conversion system, comprising:
 an input stage configured to connect to a supply voltage;   first and second current source inverter (CSI) stages;   a rectifier stage coupled to the input stage and configured to convert power from the input stage to the first CSI stage; and   an inverter stage coupled to the second CSI stage and configured to convert power to an output load or source, wherein the first and the CSI stages include a plurality of inductors electrically connected between the rectifier stage and the inverter stage and arranged to store magnetic energy by means of current from the supply voltage.